Page 135 of Chandelier Sin
Sayinglovewould be a mistake.
Her eyes reflected the kind of affection I didn’t deserve. But neither of us did after our misunderstanding.
Softening, she bit into her lip as though trying to control her emotions.
“How about a drink?”
She glanced at the champagne. “That’s not for you.”
“That’s why I want it.”
She let out a sigh. “Perhaps staying here for a few minutes is a good idea. We can wait for the hallway to clear.”
“The woman can’t decide if she’s the villain or not.”
“Me telling you they kill anyone who trespasses should have you running for the hills.” She stepped closer and peered up at me. “You have a death wish.”
“Speaking of a death wish, is your husband here?”
She stabbed my chest with a fingernail. “He’s in the main hall. Go in there and you’re dead.”
“Oh, I see a glimmer of goodness in you. I can work with that.”
She gritted her teeth. “You’re impossible.”
“You didn’t think that when my dick was inside you.” Towering over her, I grasped her left wrist, holding her captive.
Her nostrils flared with fury, her eyes widening as though she couldn’t decide if she liked what I was doing.
She raised her chin. “You think because we fucked you can talk to me like this?”
“You may be a victim,” I said, “but you’re also complicit.”
“What do you mean?”
“You know exactly what I mean.”
“Say it.”
I didn’t trust her to go there. To admit some of the subs weren’t here willingly. Confessing she was part of an abhorrent conspiracy.
I glared at her. “How do you recruit your subs? What’s the criteria?”
“Jewel recruits them.”
“She’s the person I need to talk to?”
“Don’t.”
“Then tell me.”
She looked away. “The financial incentive is generous. We have no complaints.”
Sensing my reticence, she glanced at her silver bracelet—the band covering that inked barcode. There was no pretending her past wasn’t harrowing. That she hadn’t been tortured herself.
“We’ve established he hits you,” I said quietly.
“A one off.” Her eyes flickered with the truth.
